Big Change Made to a runDisney Race This Weekend

runDisney has made a big change to one race this weekend. If you are a runDisney participant, this is information you will need to know.

Marathon Weekend

runDisney is hosting its biggest weekend of the season this very weekend! This is Marathon Weekend. Marathon Weekend consists of a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon.

Are you up for a challenge? This race weekend even has two challenges! Runners can do Goofy’s Race and Half Challenge (half marathon and full marathon) or the Dopey Challenge (all four races of the weekend)!

Be sure to check out some of our previous runDisney articles:

• Five tips for a better race photo
• Things all runners should know
• Five must have carry on items for your runDisney vacation
• Where to run when at Disney World
• Review of the runDisney Merchandise Shop Virtual Queue 
• Five Reasons to Delay or Make a Second Trip to the Expo
• runDisney moves to the Honor System with this change
• Exclusive Interview with a runDisney celebrity
• Ten unique runDisney souvenirs you won’t find at the Expo

Big Changes for the Half Marathon

Half marathon runners will not be seeing the view above tomorrow as the Half Marathon course has now been modified! runDisney has made the decision to shorten the Walt Disney World Half Marathon course to 7 miles due to expected weather.

runDisney has updated runners on their Digital Event Guide with the following information:

“As you prepare for the Walt Disney World Half Marathon on Saturday, Jan 6, we want you to be aware that our teams are keeping a close eye on local weather conditions. The safety of our Guests and Cast Members is our top priority and we have made the difficult decision to modify the course due to severe weather, including expecting lightning in the area after 9:00 a.m. Given this weather forecast, our goal is to have everyone off the course by 8:00 a.m.

In addition to a shortened distance, the Half Marathon will begin 15 minutes early at 4:45 a.m. This earlier race start time will not affect Start Group Open/Close times or pre-Race Transportation.”

What Does This Mean for you?

runDisney released a new map of what runners will see tomorrow. You can see the new map above. Unfortunately, runners will not be able to run through Magic Kingdom, but this sure beats having the race canceled. runDisney canceled this race before in 2017!

With this change there are some important details you will want to know. If you are participating in any of the challenges, this includes Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, the Dopey Challenge, as well as the runDisney Coast to Coast Race Challenge, you are still eligible for your challenge medals. However, you must complete the shortened course!

For any spectators that were planning to view their runners in Magic Kingdom, this viewing area will no longer be available. runDisney encourages spectators to view the new updated course for viewing options. The runDisney Health and Fitness Expo will not be affected by this change, and its hours will remain as scheduled (11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.).

Good luck runners and stay safe!

What do you think of this new course? Are you impacted by this change? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to share this post with a friend who loves runDisney too!